Back from the exploration, Ralph blew the conch to call another meeting. All the boys gave him full attention. Ralph cleared his throat.
"Well then. We are on an island. We've been on the mountain top and seen water all around. We saw no houses, no smoke, no footprints, no boats, no people. We are on an uninhabited island with no other people on it."
Jack broke in.
"All the same, you need an army-for hunting.'
"So,you see," said Ralph," we need hunters to get us meat"
"And another thing," he lifted the shell on his knees and looked around the sun-slashed faces, "There aren't any grown ups. We shall have to look after ourselves."
The meeting hummed and was silent. "And another thing. We cannot have everybody talking at once. We'll have to have hand up like at school" he held the conch before his face and glanced around the mouth. "Then I'll give him the conch".
Conch?
"That's what this shell is called. I'll give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when he is speaking."
"And he won't be interrupted. Except by me."
Jack was on his feet.
Question 1: What action does Ralph take upon returning from exploration, and how do the boys respond?
Answer: Ralph blows the conch to call another meeting, and all the boys give him full attention.
Question 2: What evidence does Ralph present to support his assertion that they are on an uninhabited island?
Answer: Ralph mentions that they saw no houses, smoke, footprints, boats, or people, and they observed water all around from the mountain top.
Question 3: What does Jack suggest they need despite being on an uninhabited island?
Answer: Jack suggests that they need an army for hunting.
Question 4: What conclusion does Ralph draw about their situation regarding the absence of adults?
Answer: Ralph concludes that since there aren't any grown-ups, they will have to look after themselves.
Question 5: What rule does Ralph establish for speaking during meetings, and why?
Answer: Ralph establishes the rule that only the person holding the conch can speak to prevent everyone from talking at once and to ensure orderly communication.
Question 6: How does Jack react to Ralph's rule about speaking during meetings?
Answer: Jack interrupts the meeting by standing up, indicating his disagreement or desire to challenge Ralph's authority.